Computing and IT Management (MSc)

Why study this course

Designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline, this programme provides you with a broad technical knowledge and a sound business context for managing IT systems.

Designed for graduates who want to move into computing from another discipline, the MSc Computing and IT Management provides you with a broad technical knowledge and a sound business context for managing IT systems.

Through this course you will learn the skills needed to develop business applications through a fundamental understanding of software and web development, e-commerce and database management. You will also gain an understanding of the professional skills required to lead IT managers by working as a part of a team on a business change project.

You will have the option of learning about new and emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, that are radically changing the opportunities and threats for the provision of IT systems. You may also opt for human-centric computing which focuses on defining and delivering effective information systems from a human-centric perspective. You also have the option of learning the knowledge and skills required to create interactive visualisations and explanations of data.

On successful completion of the taught phase you will move to the dissertation phase. This provides the opportunity of developing your research skills and applying technical and management concepts and techniques to solve a complex computing problem.

This three-year course offers a balanced combination of theory and practice, and can serve either as preparation for a career as an IT professional, doctoral research, or as a self-contained advanced qualification in its own right.

Distinctive features

The distinctive features of this course include:

The opportunity to undertake a conversion course in Computing and IT.

Provides an intensive course specifically designed for those who wish to move into computing and IT management from another discipline.

A course which is professionally accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

The opportunity to learn the technical knowledge and skills needed to develop business applications.

Working in a team on a business change project to develop IT management skills.

The facility to tailor the course to your interests by the selection of an advanced option module.

You will be provided with a laptop during induction week that will remain with you throughout the duration of the course.

Accreditations

We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.

Admissions criteria

This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.

Applicants will possess minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent professional qualification in a subject other than computing.

Non-graduates whose relative lack of formal qualifications is compensated for by their relevant work experience will also be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS, with at least 5.5 in each area).

Applicants holding international qualifications are welcomed.

Note: International students pursuing part-time courses of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Please feel free to supplement your application with a detailed CV or any other supporting material you may consider to be appropriate.

Courses commence in September each year but applications made directly to the University are considered throughout the year.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

access to computers or devices that can store images

use of internet and communication tools/devices

curfews

freedom of movement

contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

You will study core modules to a total of 160 credits, with an optional module worth 20 credits. Students will also undertake an individual project and dissertation. The breakdown is as follows:

Year 1: 60 credits core modules.

Year 2: 40 credits core modules, 20 credits optional module.

Year 3: 60 credits core module.

This is a part-time course undertaken over three calendar years. It is also available as a full-time course over one year, and with placement.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2020/21 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2020.

Year three

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

The School of Computer Science and Informatics has a strong and active research culture which informs and directs our teaching. We are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard and received an excellent report in the most recent Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review.

A diverse range of teaching and learning styles are used throughout the MSc in Computing and IT Management. Students will attend lectures, participate in seminars, workshops and tutorials, and carry out practical and laboratory work.

Students will also undertake a project and independent study to enable them to complete their dissertation. Dissertation topics may be suggested by the student or chosen from a list of options proposed by academic staff reflecting their current interest.

How will I be assessed?

The taught modules within the courses are assessed through examinations and a wide range of in-course assessments, such as written reports, extended essays, practical assignments and oral presentations.

The individual project and dissertation will enable students to demonstrate their ability to build upon and exploit knowledge and skills gained to exhibit critical and original thinking based on a period of independent study and learning.

How will I be supported?

As a School, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment in which we are able to help and encourage our students.

All students are allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress throughout your time at university and will support you in your personal development planning. You will see your Personal Tutor at least once each semester.

Our Senior Personal Tutor can also advise and respond to any personal matters as they arise. The School also has a formal student-staff panel to discuss topics or issues of mutual interest.

Feedback

Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Students will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’, such as being able to:

Critically analyse and evaluate current issues in the application of computing.

Tuition fees

UK and EU students (2020/21)

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

EU students entering in 2020/21 will pay the same tuition fee as UK students for the duration of their course. Please be aware that fees may increase annually in line with inflation. No decisions regarding fees and loans for EU students starting in 2020/21 have been made yet. These will be determined as part of the UK's discussions on its membership of the EU and we will provide further details as soon as we can.

Students from outside the EU (2020/21)

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

Additional costs

Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?

No specific equipment is needed.

Career prospects

Recent graduates from the MSc Computing and IT Management course have gained employment in roles such as systems and business analysts, quality assurance testers, IT consultants and project managers.

Graduates are employed by organisations of all sizes locally, nationally, and internationally.